Danny Boyle said to be interested in Bond - only with script by Trainspotting's John Hodge

The news broke this week that 'Trainspotting' and 'Slumdog Millionaire' director, Danny Boyle, was a favourite amongst studio execs at MGM for the role of James Bond director. Whilst EON have been courting lesser-known helmsmen in the form of Yann Demange, Denis Villeneuve and David Mackenzie, the studio have set their sights on a higher-profile director following the two outings from Sam Mendes.

According to Deadline, Boyle has called on John Hodge to write a spec script for 007. Whilst regular scribes, Neal Purvis and Robert Wade have been attached to the project since 2017, it may be the case that their work is put on ice and Hodge will pen the script solo, writing to Boyle's taste.

Mike Fleming at Deadline claims that Boyle, MGM and EON will review the 'Trainspotting' screenwriter's efforts in a couple of months and decide the direction of the franchise: old hands or fresh blood? If the Broccoli family and the studio opt for the Purvis and Wade script, Boyle will bow out; on the contrary, if Boyle's pet writer has his treatment selected to go into production, the 'Slumdog' director could be a much-needed guiding hand for Bond's future.

Back in 2013, Boyle mused on the possibility of directing a Bond film, but rejected the possibility fearing their astronomical budgets might scupper creativity. Things must have changed course significantly for Boyle.

Boyle last directed Daniel Craig as part of the London Olympic celebrations when he appeared as 007, receiving assignment from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Bond 25 is expected to commence production at Pinewood in December 2018, with a release date the following October.